How to enter

The 2017 YWSP has now closed.

The 2017 Prize closed for entries on 31st October 2017. We’ll be back with more news on the judging process soon!

Entries will be judged in two categories – 11 to 15 year-olds and 16 to 19 year-olds, and we’re looking for stories with historical relevance and accuracy, originality, a good grasp of language, characterisation and plot – but above all enjoyment in your writing.

The winners of each category will be offered a £500 travel and research grant to further explore historical places in the UK, and an invitation to the Borders Book Festival in Melrose, Scotland, in June 2018. Two runners-up in each category receive a £100 book token, and all four winning stories are published in a special YWSP anthology book.